The project scope entailed mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection engineering design services for the renovation to the existing 7th Floor (11,000 square feet) of the Roper Hospital in Charleston, South Carolina. The first phase took place in the Petit Tower encompassing the design of a new PACU with 14 patient recovery bays, including the design of the required infrastructure to support the renovations. The second phase comprised of the design for a surgical suite containing 5 new OR’s and the renovation of 4 existing OR’s along with support spaces including new lounges for both doctors and nurses. The third phase included renovation of support spaces for the new operating rooms. Phase 4 consisted of the creation of a new sterile OR storage area. The existing telephone, computer and public address system layouts were revised as the spaces were renovated, in accordance with the phasing plan. The work included 4 new IT closets.

This project utilized energy recovery in the HVAC system to capture energy losses through the exhaust system. Further, water conservation features were established by installing new plumbing fixtures to replace old, water wasting fixtures. Critical and Life Safety power systems were installed in the renovation. All demolition and construction occurred adjacent to or near active areas of use by hospital personnel, patients and guests. As such care must be taken to limit disturbance of normal hospital operations.

DWG was contracted, by Roper Hospital, as the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection and communications engineering firm. LS3P Associates, ADC Engineering Specialists, FEC, and NBM Construction were selected to provide the Architectural, Structural, Helipad, and Construction services, respectfully. Through effective communication and collaboration with the Board of Architectural Review and the Authorities Having Jurisdiction, the team was able to successfully design and construct a roof mounted Helipad on the South Tower of Roper Hospital, a landlocked facility, in Charleston, SC.

Prior to the construction of the Helipad, Roper Hospital had to rely on transferring air-lifted patients from the adjacent Helipad to the hospital via ambulance. Now, helicopters can land directly at Roper Hospital, allowing patients’ uninterrupted access to and from hospital.

This project could not be accomplished without a team of engineers, contractors, architects and owners with cooperative, “can do” attitude and a strong sense of purpose that the work must be completed within a specific time frame. DWG provided 24/7 on call engineering to be at the site as needed to investigate and answer contractor questions during demolition and construction. While this project was extremely challenging due to the complex nature of the systems and the vast number of components involved in the renovation, obstacles were overcome through careful planning, systematic implementation, and a concise phasing by all team members.